The Sokghums OG 



) ( 



Sudan grass should be planted in New York at about the same 

 time as the other sorghums. For hay purposes it is best sown 

 broadcast or with a grain drill at the rate of 25 pounds of seed 

 per acre. In the drier climates it is often planted in rows 3V2 

 feet apart and cultivated like corn. This method is best in all 

 cases when a seed crop is desired. 



HARVESTING 



Sorghum intended for fodder should not be cut until the seed 

 has reached the early dough stage; if cut earlier than this, the 

 greatest value of the crop is not obtained. When the crop is to be 

 used for silage, it should be allowed to stand until the seeds 

 become hard. Mature sorghum makes good silage, very little, if 

 any, more acid than corn silage, but if cut too soon it is apt to 

 sour in the silo. Most of the unfavorable results with sorghum 

 silage arise from this failure to allow the crop to ripen sufficiently 

 before cutting. When the seed only is desired and it is gathered 

 by topping the plants in the field, the crop must be allowed to 

 stand until the stem just below the head becomes dry. If the seed 

 crop is cut with a row binder or other machine after the manner 

 of harvesting for fodder, it can be cut as soon as the seed becomes 

 hard enough to crack in the teeth. Handled in this way, the stover 

 is of considerable value for roughage after the seed has been 

 removed. 



Sorghum grown in cultivated rows can be harvested for fodder 

 with an ordinary row binder such as is used in cutting corn. (Fig. 

 652.) Where this tool is not available and the acreage is small, the 

 corn knife can be "used. The same methods are applicable when 

 the crop is being harvested for silage purjioses, and a seed crop 

 can be saved in this way by topping the bundles after they have 

 cured in the shocks. 



The fodder, on account of its succulence, must be allowed to 

 cure for some time in the field like corn fodder before it is stacked 

 or stored in the barn. (Fig. 653.) Sorghum, either in bundles or 

 as loose hay, turns the water well, hence there is little loss from 

 spoiling in the stack. 



^Mien sown broadcast or in close drills, sorghum is usually cut 

 with a mower and cured like other ha\'S. In the dry climates of 



